Law enforcement officials say police officers and sheriff’sdeputies will be visible as they look to ensure a safe and happyFourth of July holiday weekend.

“We’ll have extra patrols in the county,” said Sheriff WileyCalcote, “and there may be two or three inspection checkpointsthroughout the county.”

Authorities said they will be on the look out for routinetraffic offenses as well as aiming to keep down instances of drunkdriving. The sheriff encourages citizens to not drink anddrive.

“If they see extra patrol, maybe they won’t get out and drinkand drive,” Calcote said.

Calcote said the added patrols would also help with the expectedincrease in traffic volume during the holiday weekend, which goesthrough midnight Monday.

“Any time you have an increased number of people on the road,you have an increased potential for accidents,” Calcote said.

With many businesses and government agencies closed Monday dueto July 4 falling on Sunday, Assistant Brookhaven Police ChiefNolan Jones said he hopes people will take the extra day to spendsome quality time with their families.

Regarding police department activity, he said officers will bemonitoring traffic and other situations, although no extra patrolswere being planned.

“We’re going to keep a close watch on everything,” Jonessaid.

Jones said speeding and seat belt violations will be targeted.He said officers may establish some roadblocks if needed.

“The officers on the shifts, if they see a need to do, they’lldo it at that time,” Jones said.